The bill was co-sponsored by State Sen. Kevin Ranker (D-Orcas Island), whose district includes the area where the Cooke pen collapse occurred.

“Wild salmon are threatened. This is the sort of negligent behavior by this corporation that can’t go unchecked,” said Ranker, alluding to an investigation into Cooke Aquaculture that charges that improper care of the pens led to the collapse.

If the bill passes the House, Atlantic salmon fishing would be banned in the state when Cooke and other leases run out by 2025.

The largely Republican opposition to the bill bemoaned the blow to state’s economy, though Cooke employs less than 200 Washingtonians.

Senator Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro-Woolley), railed against the bill, calling it, “a loss for a legitimate business that employs people.”